Thundershowers, Heavy Rain Forecast Across Bengal from Friday; IMD Issues Alerts for Flood and Landslide Risks

KalimNews, Kolkata, August 7, 2025 : The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore has predicted an extended spell of rain and thunderstorms across West Bengal, with thundershowers likely in several parts of South Bengal from Saturday through Tuesday next week. Some areas may see rain as early as Friday, the Met office said.

Kolkata and adjoining districts in South Bengal are expected to witness light to moderate rainfall over the weekend, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30–40 km/h. Heavy rainfall is likely in districts such as Hooghly, East Burdwan, Bankura, South 24-Parganas, and Nadia. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is also forecast in Birbhum, Murshidabad, East Burdwan, Bankura, West Midnapore, and South 24-Parganas.

The weather department has warned that some western districts may face heavy showers accompanied by strong winds within the next 24 hours, with intensity increasing in certain areas by Friday. Given the already flood-like conditions in West Midnapore, Howrah, and Hooghly, continued heavy rain is expected to worsen the situation.

North Bengal Faces High-Risk Conditions

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted for the North Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar, while Cooch Behar and Malda are likely to receive heavy showers at one or two locations. Incessant rain is expected to further raise water levels in the Teesta, Torsa, and Jaldhaka rivers, increasing the risk of landslides in the hill regions.

An IMD bulletin issued Thursday stated that the sub-Himalayan districts — Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar — will receive heavy rain until August 12, with very heavy rainfall possible at isolated locations on August 11.

Cause and Current Conditions

According to the Alipore MeT office, the active monsoon trough extending from Bihar to Bangladesh, passing through Gangetic West Bengal, has brought a surge of moisture into the state. A cyclonic circulation over central Bangladesh is further intensifying the weather system. “Heavy rains may continue in Bengal in the next few days… rain will continue across the state due to the present system,” said a weather official.

In the past 24 hours until 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar recorded heavy rainfall. The Gopalpur tea estate in Alipurduar and Damdim tea estate in Jalpaiguri each received 100 mm of rain — the highest in the state — while Sankosh in Cooch Behar recorded 80 mm.

Alerts and Precautions

Other northern districts — Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, and Malda — remain under a yellow alert, with forecasts of heavy rain (7–11 cm), gusty winds (30–40 km/h), and possible lightning. The IMD has warned of waterlogging, inundation in low-lying areas, and reduced visibility.

In South Bengal, Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and Nadia have been placed under yellow alert for the next three days. Residents can expect thunderstorms with gusty winds and lightning, along with possible temporary waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Authorities have advised avoiding open fields and staying away from water bodies during storms to reduce lightning risks.